Medicine's Stagno to be awarded UAB President's Medal

Sergio Stagno, M.D., chair of the Department of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine, will be awarded the UAB President’s Medal during UAB's fall commencement ceremony Dec. 14.

The President’s Medal recognizes individuals who have attained scholarly distinction and/or rendered distinguished service to UAB; it is one of the highest honors bestowed by UAB.

Stagno has been a world leader in combating pediatric infectious diseases, serving on the executive committee of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and several National Institutes of Health study sections and advisory councils. His research has focused on cytomegalovirus — especially regarding infection acquired during pregnancy — and the consequences of the disease for children.

Through the Child Health Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization directed by Stagno, he has provided funding for the establishment of three centers of excellence in Chile and promoted the exchange of pediatricians in training between these universities and UAB.

UAB Health System CEO Will Ferniany, Ph.D., and two other alumni of UAB’s MHSA program are included among “Modern Healthcare” magazine’s Top 300 Most Influential People, and appear on its ballot to select the Top 100.

The UAB Commission on the Status of Women presents the awards annually to honor women in the UAB and Birmingham communities who have mentored or served other women, taken a courageous stance or overcome adversity to achieve a goal.